Musical instrument control



Aug. 1932 E. VERLINDEN 3 MUS ICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL Filed Aug. 18, 19304 Sheets-Sheet 1 163 1% is? J61 LGG I 1 Jv\/\ ..I UM 143 154 I I L a: 1152 107 11 %l kT l 103% ME #2511 PLAY OFF PEROLL SAFETY lNVEN OWITNESSES T Aug. 30, 1932. VERUNDEN MUSICALINSTRUMENT CONTROL Filed Aug.18 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 2

WITNESSES 30., 1932. v E. VERLINDEN 1,874,663

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL Filed Aug. 18, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 fily/Ill 1/ 4a 7? INVENTOR WITNESSES @IfidMdcW 'Vu- Z:

Aug. 30, 1932 E. VERLINDEN 7 MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL Filed Aug. 18.1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG. .9 15 gm FIG. 11;

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J50 EMa 146 FIG . D4 WITNESSES 'NVENTOQ W E I d/"W704 fiw I PatentedAug. 30, 1932 EDMOND VEBLINDEN, OF MILWAUKEE; WISQOKSIN.

MUSICAL IN STRUMEKT CONTROL Application filed August 18, 19.30. SerialNo. 476,070.

The invention relates to controls for automatic musical instruments suchas organs and pianos.

An object of the invention is to provide a simple but effective systemof control for the music sheet operating means of an automatic musicalinstrument, whereby to expeditiously control the movement of the musicsheet in playing, rerolling and replaying directions and also to controlthe stopping of the music sheet.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for controlling thetracker transmission to place it in playing or rerolling position or ina positive neutral position.

A further object of the invention is to provide a controlling device ofsimple and durable construction for effecting the placement of thetracker transmission in any one of a'plurality of selected positions.

A further object is to provide a controlling device with electromagnetswhich require only a momentary current flow for operating the device.

A further object is to provide releasing means for restoring thecontrolling device to off position in the event that the controllingmembers thereof are inadvertently actuated at the same time.

A further object is to provide a self-player controlling systemincluding pneumatically operated devices which are delayed in operationin at least one direction of movement to. obtain proper sequence andduration of controlling functions.

A further object of the invention is to perfect details of constructiongenerally.

The invention further consists in the several features hereinafter setforth and more particularly defined by the annexed claims.

This application constitutes a continuation inpart of my co-pendingapplication for Letters Patent for organ self-players, Serial Number154,202, filed December 11, 1926.

sion-controlling device used in the instrument;

Fig. 3 is atop plan view ofthetransmissioncontrolling device, partsbeing broken away and parts being shown in section;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional View of the transmission-controllingdevice, taken along the line 44 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a similar view showing a modified form of controlling devicefor another purpose;

Fig. 6 is a detail view of one of the slide members of thetransmission-controllin-g device;

Fig. 7 is, a fragmentary detail view of one end of thetransmission-controlling device;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional elevation of the bellows-controllingvalve means of Fig. 2;

Fig. 9 is a detail view of one of the pneumatically operated delayedaction devices, parts being broken away and parts being shown insection;

Fig. 10 is a similar view of another form of pneumatic device;

Fig. 11 is a top plan view of a valve means used in the device of Fig.10;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary view similar to F ig. 10 showing the valvemeans in its open position;

Fig. 13 is a detail view showing a control device associated with thetake-up spool, parts being broken away and parts being shown in section;

Fig. 14 is an end view of the control device seen in Fig. 13, partsbeing broken away and parts being shown in section;

Fig. 15 is a top plan view of a stop-replay control valve, parts beingbroken away and parts being shown in section;

Fig. 16 is a detail view of a movable valve member used in the valve ofFig. 15, and

Fig. 17 is a diagrammatic section showing a primary action used in thesystem.

In the accompanying drawings, the numeral 20 designates a tracker-boxprovided with a tracker-bar 21, over which a perforated music sheet 22is drawn from a music spool 23 onto a take-up spool 24. The movement ofthe music sheet is accomplished in the usual manner by means of asuction-opertion. To effect playing the take-up spool 24 is rotated todraw the music sheet forward over the tracker-bar; and to efiectrerolling the music sheet is rotated in the opposite direction at ahigher speed. The transmission also has a neutral positlon, so that whendesired the music sheet and operating spools may be held stationary, andthe "usual braking means are provided in order that no slack willdevelop in the music sheet under operating conditions. The transmissionmechanism 26 includes a shifting lever 27, to the lower-pend of which ispivotally secured a shifting rod 28 actuated by pneumatic means,hereinafter,- described, for placing the transmission mechanism in aplaying, rerolling or neutral position.

vThe transmission shifting means includes pneumatics 29, a'nd 31. Thepneumatics 29 and 30 are mounted on opposite sides of a wedge-shapedsupporting block 32,,while the pair of pneumatics 31 are mounted onopposite sides of a Wedge-shaped supporting block 33 and aresimultaneously operable. The supporting blocks32 is provided with ducts34 and 35 communicating with the pneumatics 29 and 30 respectively, andthe supporting'block 33 is provided with a duct 36 communicating withboth of the pneumatics 31, suction being applied to the pneumaticsthrough these ducts, as hereinafter described. The pneumatics 29, 30 and31 carry fingers 37, 38 and 39 respectively, through the ends of whichpass the shifting-rod 28, and each of these fingers carries anadjustable threaded stop 40 adapted tol engage the adjacent supportingblock to limit the deflation of the associated pneumatic andcorrespondingly limit the travel of the shifting-rod. The shifting-rodhas secured to it a pair of spaced collars 41 and 42adapted to beengagedby the fingers 37 and 38 respectively,

and a pair of spaced collars 43 adapted: to be engaged by the fingers39.; I

J The ducts 34, 35 and 36 communicate with primary actions 44, 45 and46, respectively, by which the application ofsuctio'n' to the pneumatiosis controlled. These primary ac- "tions are of a well known type and asimilar action or valve is hereinafter described in detail. i Y Y i Anelectro pneumatic: device 47 is provided for the selective control ofthe primary actions 44, 45 and 46 and includes a chest 48 receiv ngtherein air under pressure. A valve board 49 is mounted above the chestin spaced relation thereto and is connected by ducts 50, 51 and 52 withthe respective primary actions 44, 45 and 46. The ducts 50, 51 and 52terminate in spaced ports opening along the upper surface of'the valveboard and closedbywalves 54 and 55, whichare pivotally mounted onvertically extending pins 56 secured in the valve board and passingloosely into openings 57 formed in the valves. Each valve is guided formovement in a vertical plane by a pin 58 secured in the valve boardandpassing through a slot 59 formed in the valve. The valves are releasablyheld in closed position by coiled springs 60 housed in vertical bores 61formed in a bracket 62, which extends above the valves and is securedto. the valve board 49, each spring being compressed by a screw 63. At

' its free end each of the valves 53 54 and 55 carries a dependingvertically adjustable button 64, which is cam actuated tolift the valveand thus atmospheric pressure into the corresponding duct, whichisnormally under suction. In the present instance the selective actuationof the valves is accomplished by means of parallel reciprocatory slidemembers 65, 66 and 67, which, together with a parallel companion slidemember 68 iereinafter described, are slidably mounted in notched bars 69and 70 secured to the upper face of the chest 48. Each of the slidemembers 65, 66 and 67 is provided at its upper edge with a camprojection 71engageable with the depending button 64 of thecorresponding valve, and each of these slides is also provided withanupstanding cam projection 72 having a sloping side and a shoulder.Each of the-four slide members is urged to its of position by a V-spring73 disposed below the valve board 49, there being 7 a felt button 74 onthe upper side of the slide 80 are secured to a side wall of the chest48 and are respectively connected with the slide members 65, 66, 67 and68 for efiecting the. movement of these members to their on: position.The connection between each slide member and its corresponding pneumaticconsists of a link 81 pivotally secured at one end in an end portion ofthe slide member and at the other end in a bar 82, which is secured bytwo screws 83 to the movable leaf of the pneumatic. The bar 82 isprovided with a fulcrum intermediate the screws 83' goo so that, byadjusting the screws, the bar may be swung about its fulcrum foradjusting the inflated and deflated positions of the pneumatics. As seenin Fig. 3 the pneumatics are arranged in staggered relation to therebypermit close spacing of the pneumatics Without interfering with theirinflating or deflating movements. Each pneumatic communicatesalternatively with the interior of the chest 48 and with the atmospherethrough a duct 84, which is controlled by a double valve of well knownconstruction, and the valves 85 associated with the pneumatics 77, 78,79 and 80are respectively controlled by electromagnets 86, 87, 88 and 89in a well known manner.

When the slide members 65, 66 and 67 are selectively displaced by theirpneumatics as hereinafter described, they selectively open the valves53, 54 and 55 as heretofore noted by their cam action on the buttons 64.The displaced slide member is held in its on position by a swinginglatch bar 90, which transversely overlies the slide members and has ashaft portion journalled in bearings 91 carried on the chest. The outerswinging portion of the latch bar extends transversely above the slidemembers and is engageable with the shoulder of the projection 72 on thedisplaced slide member to hold the slide member in on position. Thesloping surface of the projection 72 has a cam action on the latch barfor lifting the bar during the actuation of the slide member by itspneumatic. The downward movement of the latch bar is limited by a stopmember 92 adjust-ably secured to the chest by screws 93, and the upwardmovement of the latch bar is limited by a stop 94 secured to the chestby a screw 95. The pneumatic actuation of any one of the slide members65, 66, 67 causes the latch bar to rise, thus releasing any previouslyheld slide member and causing it to be spring urged to its off position.In this manner these three slide members are selectively actuated forcontrolling the selective opening of the valves 53, 54 and 55.

The slide member 68 is provided with only a single cam 96, upon whichthe latch bar rides and is elevated without latching the slide member inadvanced position. In this way all the slide members can be released totheir off position if more than one of the three slide members 65, 66and 67 should become accidentally latched at the same time in their onposition as hereinafter de scribed.

The electromagnets 86, 87, 88 and 89 are connected by a common conductor97 with one terminal of a suitable source of current 98. The otherterminals of the electromagnets 86, 87, 88 and 89 are connected byrespective conductors 99, 100, 101 and 102 leading to terminals ofrespective manually operated circuit closers 103, 104, 105 and 106, theother terminals of these circuit closers being connected to the otherside of the source of current by a conductor 107. In Fig. 1 the circuitclosers 103, 104, 105 and 106 are respectively labeled play, ofi',reroll and safety. These circuit closers are placed in any suitablelocation either on the instrument or remote therefrom, and the circuitcloser 106 is preferably spaced from the others as it is onlyinfrequently operated. In some instances duplicate sets of these circuitclosers may be provided in different locations.

In addition to the manual control of the electromagnets of thetransmission-controlling device 47, these electromagnets are alsoautomatically controlled for effecting the stopping, rerolling andreplaying of the music sheet. The tracker-bar 21 is connected by a duct108, normally under suction and adapted to be uncovered by a rerollperforation 109 in the music sheet for admitting atmosphere to the duct.The duct 108 is con nected to a primary action 110 of well knownconstruction and the latter is connected by a duct 111 to a pneumatic112 for controlling the application of suction to this pneumatic tothereby deflate the pneumatic. The pneumatic forms part of a circuitcloser and carries a contactor 113 adapted to engage a plurality ofcontacts 114, as seen in Figs. 1 and 9. The pneumatic 112 is mounted ona base 115 and is provided with a port 116 in its stationary leafcovered at its outer end by a flexible flap 117 of elongated oval shapesecured at its ends to the pneumatic and disposed within a recess 118formed in the base, this recess communicating with the duct 111. Theflap 117 is capable of bowing outwardly by the air within the pneumaticwhen suction is applied to the recess 118 through the duct 111, so thata relatively large discharge opening is afforded around the edges of thebowed flap to permit prompt deflation of the pneumatic. A bleed opening119 is provided in the flap in register with the port 116 so that as thepneumatic subsequently expands the flap will seat to cover the port 116and permit air to be drawn in slowly through the bleed opening, therebydelaying the return of the pneumatic to its expanded position. Thedelayed operation of the pneumatic aifords a sufficiently long timeinterval in which controlling operations may occur as hereinafterdescribed. One of the contacts 114 is connected by a conductor 120leading to that terminal of the source of current to which the conductor107 is connected and another of the contacts 114 is connected by aconductor 121 joining the conductor 101 leading to the replayelectromagnet 88 of the controlling device 47. Other contacts 114 areconnected by conductor 122 with electromagnets 123 of a pair ofcontrolling devices 124 each somewhat similar to the controlling device47, the circuit from the electromagnets being completed back to thesource of current by a conductor 125. Each controlling device 124 isshown in partial section in Fig. 5, wherein the pressure chest 48,corresponding with the pressure chest 48', carries slide members 65 and68, which are displaced by pneumatics 77 and 80 respectively. The slidemember 65 carries a projection 7 2 which is engageable with a swinginglatch member 90 for holding the slide members in on position. Each slide'me'mber carries a contactor 71 which co-operate's with a plurality ofspring contacts 64 connected in appropriate circuits, forming no part,of the presenhinvention, controlling the off and on positions ofthe'combination and expression devices. The

slide members 68 controlled by the electro magnets 123 are similar tothe slide members 68 of the transmission-controlling device 47 so thatwhen they are-momentarily displaced by the energization of theelectromagnets the V slide mernloersiv (of which there areseveral ineach device) are unlat-ched and returned to their oil positions.

As'seen' in Figs. 13 and 14, the take-up spool 24 is provided at one endwith a radially extending slot 126 whichis uncovered by, the convergentend of the music sheet at the conclusion of the rerolling operation. Atrigger plate 127 slidahly fits withinthe slot 126 and is pivotallymounted on a pin 128 to permit the end. of-the plate adjacent the sidewall of the tracker-box to move radially outwardly into proximity withan arm of a rock-shaft 129 journalled in the side wall of thetracker-box. A valve seat 130. is fixedly secured to the outer face'oifthe tracker-box and is connected by a duct 131 which terminates in aport in one face of the valve seat. A spring-urged valve 132 ispivotally mounted on the valve seat 130 and normally'closes the port ofthe duct 131 in which suction normally exists, The outer end of therockshaft is provided with a crank-arm engageable' with the valve 132 toopen the port and thus expose the port to atmosphere. This openingmovement of the valve is efiected at the conclusion of the'rerollingoperation by the ro ckshaft 129, which is engaged and swung by the thenprojectin trigger plate 127. When the take-up spool turns in playingdirection the trigger plate slides by the rock-shaft and is held at itsinner position as soon as it is covered by the music sheet.

' The duct 131 is connected to a stationary valve plate 133, to whichother ducts 134 and 135 are also connected. The duct 131 is placed inselective communication with the ducts 134 and 135 by a rotary valve.136 having a channel 137 adapted to register with the ports for theseducts formed in the valve plate 133. The duct 134 leads to a primaryaction 138, which is connected by a duct 139 with a pair of-pneumatics140 and 141, which are deflated by suction applied through the duct. Thepneumatic 140 has secured to it a contactor 142 engageable with contacts143, and is arranged for quick deflation to efiect prompt engagement ofthe contactor 142 with the contacts143. Fhe pneumatic 141 carries acontactor 144 normally in engagement with contacts 145. As seen inFig.10 the pneumatic 141 is mounted on a base; 146 in which is formed arecess 147 in communie cation'with. a port. 148 connected with the duct139 and with a port 149 in the stationary is mounted withinthe recess147 to cover theport 148 and is secured at its. ends to the base 146,the flap having a bleed opening 151 in register with the port 148. 'Whensuction is applied to the pneumatic 141. air must be drawn-out throughthesmall bleed opening, 151 thus delayingthe deflationof the pneumatic,and when air is again ad mitted to the pneumatic through the .primaryaction 138 the flexible flap willibow upwardly off its seat, asindicatedin Fig. 12, thus permitting a relatively free passage .of air around theedge of the flap and efiecting prompt expansion of the pneumatic, whichis normally urged to its expanded position. One of the contacts 145 isconnected by a conductor 152 to that terminal of the source of currentto which the conductors 107'and 120 are connected, and anothercontact145 is connected with one of the contacts 143 by a conductor 153, theother contact 143 being cates with the interior of the duct 134 which isnormally under suction through a bleed opening 158 connecting the ductand the in-; terior of the chest. Theduct 139 leading to" the pneumatic140 is controlled by the double valve 157, which serves to either admitair at atmospheric pressure into the duct 139 or to apply suctionthereto from the'interior of the chest. W hen the duct 134 is incommunication with atmosphere the bellows 156; is expanded, thus liftingthe valve 157 tov close the duct 139 from atmosphere and to applysuction to this duct, thus deflating the pneumatics 140and 141. When theduct 134 is again closed this duct is placed under -suction through thebleedfopening 158, thus dropping the valve 157 and again placing theduct 139 in communication with atmosphere to permit the expansion of thepneumatics 140 and 141.

shown in Fig. 17.

The duct 135 joins the duct 50 leading to the primary action 44, and theduct 34leading to the .play pneumatic 29 joins a duct 159 leading to apair or" pneumatics 160 and 161. The pneumatic 160 is provided with avcontactor 162 engageable with contacts 163, and the pneumatic 161 isprovided with a contactor 164 normally engageable with con; tacts 165.The pneumatics 160 and 161 arerespectively identical with the pneumatics140 and 141. One of the contacts 165 is connected to one terminal of thesource of current by a conductor166 andthe othercon- The primary actions44, 45, 46 and 110 are all of the general type tact 165 is connected toone of the contacts 163 by a conductor 167, the other contact 163 beingconnected by a conductor 168 joining the conductor 99 leading to theplay electromagnet 86 of the transmission-controlling device 47.

In operation, a music roll is placed in the tracker-box and is hooked tothe take-up spool 24 in the usual manner, the tracker transmission atthis time being in a neutral position. The operator then momentarilydepresses the play circuit closer 103, which establishes a circuit fromthe source of current 98 through the conduct-or 107, the circuit closer103, the conductor 99, the electromagnet 86 and the conductor 97 back tothe source of current. The corresponding double valve 85 is thusoperated to inflate the pneumatic 77 which longitudinally displaces theslide member 65. The latch bar 90 is then lifted and drops behind theprojection 72 on theslide memberto retain the slide member in itsadvanced position, thus avoiding the necessity for keeping theelectromagnet 86 energized and thereby avoiding heating of theelectromagnet. The cam 71 on the slide member 65 lifts the valve 53,thus admitting atmosphere into the duct and operating the primary action44 to apply suction to the play pneumatic '29 by way of the duct 34. Thedeflation of the play pneumatic 29 moves the shifting rod 28 to theright as viewed in Fig. 1 and swings the transmission lever 27 toplaying position. The motor 25, which has previously been placed inoperation, then drives the take-up spool to cause the motion of themusic sheet in playing direction.

At the conclusion of playing the perforation 109 in the music sheetregisters With the duct 108 leading to the tracker-bar, thus admittingatmospheric pressure to the primary action 110 and causing deflation ofthe pneumatic 112 to bridge the contacts 114 by the contactor 113. Acircuit is then established from the source of current through theconductor 120, the bridged contacts 114, conductor 121, conductor 101,

. reroll electromagnet 88 and conductor 97 back to the source ofcurrent. This causes the inflation of the pneumatic 79, which dislacesthe slide member 67 to momentarily ift the latch member 90 and to openthe valve 55. Simultaneously, the slide member 65 is released to closethe valve 53 and thereby relieve the suction from the play pneumatic2'9. Atmosphere is thus admitted to the duct 51 to operate the primaryaction 44 and to thereby apply suction to the reotf perforation 109 inthe music sheet moves out of register with the duct 108 the contactor113 will remain in engagement with the contacts 114 a sufficient lengthof time to insure the proper operation of the several controliinginstrumentalities. The circuit closer 113114 also establishes momentarycircuits through the electromagnets 123 of the controlling devices 124by way of the conductors 122 and 125, thus reciprocating the slidemembers 68 and releasing the side members to the retracted position seenin Fig. 5, which breaks the circuits the circuit closer elements 6467.These circuits control expression and combination devices (not shown)which are thereby'rendered ineffective during the rerolling operation.The circuit through the reroll electromagnet 88 may also be momentarilyestablished through the reroll circuit closer and this may be efi'ectedat any point in the playing operation.

At the conclusion of rerolling the convergent end of the music sheetexposes the trigger plate 127 on the take-up spool and permits the plateto fall when in its lower position for swinging the rock-shaft 129,which lifts the valve 132 and opens the duct 131 to atmosphere. If thestop-replay valve 136 is placed in stop position the duct 131communicates with the duct 134 to admit atmosphere to the latter ductfor operating the primary action 138. By way of the duct 139 suction isthen applied to the pneumatics 140 and 141, causing a quick deflation ofthe former pneumatic and a slow deflation of the latter pneumatic. Thecontactor 142 bridges the contacts 143 to establish a circuit from thesource of current through the conductor 152, the bridged contacts 145,conductor 153, the bridged contacts 143, the conductor 154, theconductor 100, the off electromagnet 87 of the transmission-controllingdevice 47, and the conductor 97 back to the source of current. Thiseffects the opening of the valve 54 and simultaneously closes the rerollvalve 55 and admits atmosphere through the duct 52 to the primary action46, thus applying suction to the two off pneumatics 31 by way of theduct 36. The deflation of the pneumatics 31 moves the trackertransmission 26 to a positive neutral position in which the transmissionremains until shifted to another position. By holding the transmissionin the neutral position there is no danger of accidental movement of themusic sheet by creeping of the transmission mechanism. The circuitthrough the off electromagnet 87 is broken by the contactor 144 on theslowly deflating pneumatic 141, thus interrupting the circuit eventhough suction is kept applied to the pneumatics 140 and 141. Theabutment of the trigger plate 127 on the take-up spool with therock-shaft 129 9 member 68 is not latched and returns to its tor 97 backto the source of current.

stops the, rotation of the take-up spool so that the. music sheet'vvillfnot. become unhooked from the spool. The circuit momentarilyestablished through the OE electrom'agnet' 87 may also be establishedmanually at any point in the movement of the music sheet by the offcircuit closer104.

' If replaying of the music sheet is desired the stop-replay valve .136ismoved to re- I play? position when the music sheet is installed or atany time prior to the conclusion of rerolling. The opening of the valve132 by the trigger plate127 then admits atmosphereinto the duct 135 andcommunicating duct'50 to operate the primary ac'tion l i and ei'iect thedeflation of the play. pneumatic 29to shift the transmission to playposition. Suction is simultaneously applied to the pneumatics 160 and161 by Way of the duct'159, causing a quick deflation of the.

former pneumatic and a slow deflation of the latter pneumatic. -Thecontactor'l62 on the pneumatic 160-bridg'es the contacts- 163 thusreroll pneumatic 30. The circuit to the play electromagnet 86 is soonbroken at the contacts 165 so that the flow of current through thiselectromagnet is only momentary. The circuit through the playelectromagnet 86 may also be established at any time through themanually operated play circuit closer 103.

In the event that all of the three adja centcircuit closers 103, 104 andare si-' multaneously depressed through carelessness or inadvertence,the three slide members 65, 66 and 67 in the transmissfon-controllingdevice Would: all belatched' in the on position. However, the slidemembers can be readily released by depressing the safety circuit closer106, Which establishes a circuit from the source of current through theconductor 107, circuit closer 106, conductor 102, safety electromagnet89 and the conduc- The displacementof the slide member 68 then lifts thelatch-bar 90 and releases the slide members65, 66 and 67. The safetyslide original position as soon as the electromagnet 89 is de-energized.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a self-player, the combinationof a tracker-box transmission,pneumatically op erated devices for .shiftlng sald transm ssion to'playlng'and rerolling positions, rmpulse actuated; valve meansfor'controlling the shifting action of said pneumatically-open ateddevices, and releasable locking means for selectively retaining saidvalve meansin impulse-actuated position. j v

2. A transmission'for a tracker-box mechanism, comprising a shiftablemember movable to playing and rerolling positionsand to an intermediateneutral position, selec: tively-operable means for moving said shiftablemember in opposite directionsto play: ing and rerolling positions, andselectively: operable means for placing and retaining said shiftablemember in an intermediate neutral position from either playing orrerolling position.

3. A transmission for a tracker-boxmech: anism comprising a shiftablemember movable to playing and rerolling positions and to an intermediateneutral position, pneu-, matic means for moving said shlttable mem:

her in opposite directions to playing and re rolling .POSltlOBS, andpneumatic means for placing and retaining said shiftable member inanintermediate neutral position.

4. A transm ssion for a tracker-box mechanism, comprising a shiftablemember mov-' to an intermediate neutral position, a pair ofsuction-operated pneumatics acting in the opposite directions forplacingsaid shifting member in playing or rerolling positions, and pneumaticmeans for placing said shiftable member in a neutral intermediateposition.

5. A transmission for a tracker-box mech anism, comprising a shiftable.member movable to playing andrerolling positions, and to anintermediateneutralposition, a pair of suctio-n oper'ated pneumaticsacting in op} p osite directions for placing said shifting member inplaying or rerolling positions, and a pair of suction-operatedpneumatics simultaneously movable-in opposite directionsfor placing saidshiftable member in an intermediateneutral position from either playingor rerolling position.

6. A transmission for a tracker-box mechanism, comprising a shiftablemember movable to playing and rerolling positions and to an intermediateneutral position, selectively operable means for moving said shiftablemember in opposite directions to playingor rerolling position, andselectively operable means acting on said shiftable member in oppositedirections for placing said shiftable member in an intermediate neutralposition from either playing or rerolling position.

7. A transmission for a tracker-boxmechanism, comprising a shiftable rodmovable to I playing andrerolling positions and to an intermediateneutral position, a plurality of stops carried by .said rod, asuction-operated pneumatic co-operating with one of said'stops to movesaid rod to playing position, asuction-operated pneumatic co-operatingwith another of said stops for moving said shiftable rod to rerollingposition, and a pair of simultaneously movable suction operatedpneumatics alternatively cooperating with others of said stops formoving said shiftable member from either playing or rerolling positionto an intermediate neutral position.

8. The combination of a pneumatic, a support for said pneumatic, therebeing a duct communicating with said pneumatic including a recess, aflexible valve member mounted within said recess and having a bleedopening in register with said duct, said valve member being deflected bythe flow of air through said duct in one direction to permitrelativelyfree passage of airaround its edges and being adapted to seat in saidrecess during the flow of air in the opposite direction to restrict theflow through the bleed opening whereby said pneumatic is delayed in onedirection of movement.

9. The combination of a plurality'of reciprocatory members each movableto alternative positions, impulse-actuated means for selectively movingsaid reciprocatory members to advanced position, means for selectivelyretaining said members in advanced position, and means controlled by theselective actuation of any one of said members for releasing apreviously advanced member to re- 3 tracted position.

10. The combination of a plurality of reciprocatory members each movableto alternative positions, impulse-actuated means for moving eachreciprocatory member to an advanced position, and latch means common tosaid reciprocatory members for retaining said members in advancedposition, said latch means having an operative connection with saidreciprocatory members to be actuated upon the advance of any of saidmembers for releasing a previously advanced reciprocatory member.

11. The combination of a plurality of reciprocatory members each movableto alternative positions, impulse-actuated means for moving ea hreciprocatory member to an advanced position, means for retaining someof said members in advanced position, and means operated by one of saidreciprocatory members for actuating said. retaining means to a positionreleasing a previously advanced reciprocatory nember.

12-. The combination of a plurality of reciprocatory members eachmovable to alternative positions, ii'npulse-actuated means forselectively moving each reciprocatory member to an advanced position,means common to said members for selectively retaining said members inadvanced position, means for re- .easing said members to retractedposition,

and a plurality of valve means selectively controlled by saidreciprocatory members.

13. The combination of a plurality of reciprocatory members each movableto alternative positions, electrically controlled impulseactuated meansfor selectively moving each reciprocatory member to an advancedposition, means common to said members for selectively retaining saidmembers in advanced position, means for releasing said members toretracted'position, and a plurality of circuit closers selectivelycontrolled by said reciprocatory members.

14. The combination of a plurality of reciprocatory members arranged inparallel relation and each movable to alternative positions, means formoving each reciprocatory member to an advanced position, and apivotally mounted latch member extending transversely-of saidreciprocatory members for retaining said members in advanced position,said latch member having operative connections with said reciprocatorymembers and being momentarily released to unlatching position by theadvancing movement of any one of said reciprocatory members to permitthe release of any of said reciprocatory members previously advanced.

15. The combination of a plurality ofmembers movable to oil and onpositions, controlling means operated by said members, means forindividually moving said members to on position, means for retainingsaid members in 'on position, and means controlled by the actuation ofany one of said members for moving a previously displaced member from onto off position.

16. The combination of a movable member, a pneumatic movable to expandedand contracted positions, an arm secured to the movable element of saidpneumatioand bearing thereon at a fulcrum, a pair of fastening elementssecuring said arm to said pneumatic and disposed at opposite sides ofsaid fulcrum for adjusting the angular position of said arm with respectto said pneumatic, and a link connecting said arm and said movable -member.

17 The combination of a trackenbox including a take-up spool adapted. toreceive a music sheet thereon, there being a recess formed in said spoolopening at the end thereof, a trigger member disposed in said recess andpivotally mounted on said spool to project outwardly from said recesssubstantially axially with respect to said spool, said trigger memberbeing held in inner position by the music sheet covering said recess andbeing permitted to swing outwardly of said recess upon the release ofsaid music sheet from said trigger member at the conclusion ofrerolling, and a controlling member adapted to be engaged by saidtrigger member when the latter is outwardly displaced.

18. The combination of a tracker-box hav- Mm. -v

" ling circuit.

'19. The combination or" a tracker-box having spools therein adapted toreceive a music sheet, means for operating said spools, a controllingcircuit for said spool-operating means, a'normally open pneumaticallyoperated circuit closer disposed in said circuit, said circuit closerbeing quickly operated in one direction to close said circuit and havingdelayed operation in the other direction to open said circuit, and"means controlled by the music sheet for operating said circuit closer. r

' 20, The combination of a-tracker-box having spools therein adapted toreceive a music sheet, means for operating said spools in 7 playing andrerolling directions, controlling circuits for said spool-operatingmeans, a pair of circuit closers arranged in serles in one ofsaidcircuits for controlling the rotation of said spools in playingdirection, one

of said circuit closers being normally open and the other normallyclosed, said firstnamed circuit closer being quickly operated to closesaid circuit and the other circuit closer being slowly operated to delaythe opening of said circuit, and meanscontrolled by a music sheet forsimultaneously operatactuation of any one of said members for re-jleasing a previously advanced member toretracted position, and aplurality of valve means selectively controlled by saidreciprocatorymembers and having operative connections with said cam surfaces.

23. In a musical instrument, the combination, with a control circuit forthe instrument, of apair of circuit-closers connected in series in saidcircuit, one of which circuitclosers is normally open and the vother ofwhich is normally closed, said normally open circuit-closer beingquickly operable to close said circuit and said normally closedcircult-closer being slowly operable to open said circuit after a timeinterval, and fluid pressure means for simultaneously operating saidcircuit-closers.

Intestimony whereof I afiix my signature.

EDMOND VERLINDEN.

ing said circuit closers at theconclusion of rerolling to momentarilyestablish said controlling circui V 21. The combination of a pluralityof reciprocatory members each movable to alternative positions, means:tor moving each reciprocatorymember to an advanced position, means forretaining said reciprocatory members in advanced position, meanscontrolled by the actuation of any one of said members for releasing apreviously advanced member to retracted position, and auxiliary meansacting on said retaining means for effecting the release of. any or allof said reciprocatory members from advanced position. a

22. The combination of a plurality of reciprocatory members each movingto alternativepositions and each having a cam surface, means forselectively moving said reciprocatory members to advanced position,means for selectively retaining said members in advanced position, meanscont-rolled by the

